Medik8 Press & Glow

Daily Exfoliation PHA Tonic With Enzyme Activator

Exfoliate and hydrate the skin when incorporating the Medik8 Press & Glow into your skincare routine. Toner products are used after cleansing and depending on their ingredients they can achieve multiple benefits while also prepping the skin before applications of serums and moisturisers. The press and glow not only features a 5.5% PHA poly hydroxy acid but also contains hydrating and soothing ingredients making it ideal for even the sensitive of skin's, while also being able to work in conjunction with vitamin A and C products. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product.

Poly Hydroxy Acid Gluconolactone:

I love using an exfoliating toner and do have my favourites, but sometimes i have felt a slight sting while also remembering to be careful in which products to apply afterwards. The poly hydroxy acid (PHA) featured in the press & glow is Gluconolactone that not only is hydrating and helps to repair the skins barrier function but also gently lifts off dead skin cells to resurface. The other benefits are it doesn't leave the skin sun sensitive (Always Use An SPF Anyway) because it acts as an antioxidant and is suitable for sensitive, rosacea prone, and can even be applied after any cosmetic procedure. 

Aqua (Water) - Solvent for ingredients to mix.

Gluconolactone - Poly Hydroxy Acid 5.5% (PHA) that exfoliates, hydrates, repairs barrier function, and has antioxidant and anti-ageing benefits.

Glycerin - Humectant and moisturiser that supports the skin's lipids, protects against irritation and helps to restore the barrier function of the skin. 

Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract - Prickly pear extract is a natural enzyme activator that speeds up natural shedding of the skin while also boosting cell renewal for improvement in clarity, fine lines/wrinkles, and achieving a natural glow.  

Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract - Acai extract protects the skin from free radicals that can damage while also having anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice - Moisturiser and soothing humectant that helps skin regeneration and wound healing with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Sodium Hydroxide - Used to adjust the pH of a formula which is important in exfoliants.

Sodium Citrate - Used to adjust the pH of a formula while also helping to keep the product nicer for longer by counteracting metal ions that occur when typically water is used in the ingredients.

Hydroxyacetophenone - Antioxidant that also acts as a preservative booster and soothing agent.

Phenoxyethanol - Preservative.

Ethylhexylglycerin - Preservative that boosts effectiveness of Phenoxyethanol while also having emollient benefits.

Potassium Sorbate - Preservative that keeps your product nicer for longer. 

Sodium Benzoate - Preservative that is used with Potassium Sorbate to make the product stay nicer for longer. 

Improve Texture, Tone, and Hydration:

Presented in a 200ml bottle while a refill option is available to purchase, you press down on the pump 3-4 times to dispense the perfect amount onto a cotton pad or reusable face pad. The non-sticky but hydrating formula instantly refreshes when swiping over a cleansed skin but more importantly i felt no stinging or tingling! It leaves the skin feeling perfectly smooth when the formula has absorbed and creates a more optimised skin surface that is better at absorbing your active products such as your vitamin A and C serums without sensitising the skin. The fragrance free, essential oil free, and alcohol-free tonic is ideal for those wanting to incorporate an exfoliating toner in your skincare routine to improve texture, tone, and boost hydration! The Medik8 product is priced at £25.00 and available here: PRESS & GLOW™ x Neil. 

BEAUTY BAY SKINHIT 0.2% RETINOL COMPLEX SERUM WITH RETINOL AND PEPTIDES.

BEAUTY BAY SKINHIT 0.2% RETINOL COMPLEX SERUM WITH RETINOL AND PEPTIDES.

Perfect for first-time retinol users, the BEAUTY BAY SkinHit 0.2% Retinol Complex Serum With Retinol And Peptides is ideal for those who want to improve fine lines and wrinkles while also improving clarity of the complexion. The vegan-friendly serum is fragrance free and should be used a couple of times a week before building tolerance to apply daily, every night. You can apply alone onto cleansed skin or add a few drops to your favourite night-time moisturiser or overnight mask, but remember to apply a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

Presented in a 50ml bottle with dropper dispenser, the Skincare by BEAUTY BAY serum features the following ingredients:

Aqua (Water) - Solvent for ingredients to mix. 

Propanediol - Produced sustainably from corn sugar, it acts as a humectant and moisturiser while also acting as a solvent for ingredients to mix.

Polysorbate 20 - Helps water and oils ingredients to mix without separating.

Retinol - 0.2% proven cell-communicating ingredient to revitalise the skin. 

Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 - Synthetic peptide composed of the amino acids alanine, arginine, histidine, leucine, phenylalanine and tryptophan that helps defend and calm the skin from environmental factors while also promoting a more uniformed and fresher skin tone. 

Sodium Citrate -  Neutralises metal ions that can occur from water used in a formula while also adjusting the pH to the preferred level.

Xanthan Gum -  Ingredient to help thicken a products formula while also stopping oil and water from separating.

Citric Acid - Sets the pH of a formula to the perfect value. 

Sodium Benzoate - Preservative to keep the product nicer for longer but is usually combined with the one below as its not strong enough on its own.

Potassium Sorbate - Preservative to keep the products formula stable for longer and is combined with the one above for maximum effectiveness.

Disodium EDTA - Chelating that neutralises metal ions from the water ingredient used to keep the product stable for longer. 

1,2-Hexanediol -  Moisture-binding and synthetic preservative.

Tocopherol - Antioxidant vitamin E that is easily absorbed by the skin to provide emollient benefits and photoprotection against UVB rays (always wear an SPF though). 

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil -  Emollient plant oil that helps keep skin hydrated and protects the skins surface, while also repairing and supporting the skins barrier function. 

BHT - Synthetic antioxidant that is used as a preservative.

BHA - Synthetic antioxidant that is used as a preservative.

Applying 1-2 drops to the face, the serum spreads easily over the skin while absorbing quickly to leave a smooth and hydrated base. I typically wait about 10 minutes after applying any retinol to allow the formula to have fully absorbed before then following on with my night moisturiser, but you can add a few drops into your moisturiser (to buffer it) for your skin to become tolerant to retinol overtime. Its important to remember when using any retinol product that its not a sprint but rather a long marathon to reach the goal of applying every night slowly while still respecting the skins integrity. The budget-friendly retinol is priced at £5.00 at BEAUTY BAY and available here: SkinHit 0.2% Retinol Complex Serum With Retinol And Peptides x Neil. 

D’ALCHEMY Skincare!

D’ALCHEMY Skincare!

Discover the brand d’Alchemy who introduce a deluxe skincare range that contains potent natural ingredients combined with technologically advanced formula's. All the products work in harmony with your skin with the key ingredients being based on plant hydrosols, plant extracts, and pure essential oils while efficacy of the formulations have been proven by clinical studies for you to see and feel the benefits when applied. The 100% vegan and vegetarian friendly skincare brand avoid using synthetic substances and any animal-derived components while the whole range is cruelty-free and the products arrive with biophotonic glass packaging to protect the formulations inside. Disclaimer: The link used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products.

Spectacular Hand Therapy.

Replenish hard working hands with one application from the rich, nourishing, and rejuvenating spectacular hand therapy cream. Presented in a tube for easy applications, the highly nourishing cream features a host of active ingredients to not only replenish lost moisture but also improve and protect dry skin with loss of firmness. I love the instant softness and silkiness the cream achieves without leaving the hands feeling sticky or greasy, it does leave a slight protective film on the hands to protect from any dryness or external aggressors, but i also apply before bed to reap the full benefits overnight because during the day the cream is washed off because of frequent hand washing. The active ingredients it contains are the hydrosols damask rose, lemon, and neroli that help promote smoother and nourished skin while the antioxidants milk thistle oil, grapefruit, tangerine, sandalwood, and cedar all help lighten pigmentation and protect against free radicals that can damage with also anti-inflammatory properties. Deep and long-lasting nourishment is achieved by the lipid-replenishing emollients shea and shorea butters while the musk-rose, argan, and linseed oils help restore the skin's hydro-lipid barrier for better improvement.  A must-have cream that not only provides therapy to the compromised skin of the hands but also works to improve the skin tone and elasticity! 

Hydrating Dew Toner.

Restore the natural pH of the skin while also refreshing and toning when spritzing the hydrating dew toner over the face and neck. The gentle formula features rose hydrosol, damask rose oil, and soothing sea algae extracts to quench the skins thirst, soothe irritations, while also preparing the skin for further treatments. Shaking the bottle and then pressing down on the applicator, it delivers the perfect fine mist onto the skin without over drenching it with a slight aroma of grapefruit oil that indulges the senses. The hydrating dew toner is the perfect product to fit easily into your skincare routine because you can replace it with and instead of your usual toner, so there is no faffing about trying to find a cotton pad, swiping over the skin and then waiting for the formula to absorb, instead a few quick sprays and the skin is ready for application of your serum, moisturiser, and then sunscreen. A lovely spray toner that not only hydrates, soothes, and tones but also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, what more could you want?!   

Intense Skin Repair Oil.

The intense skin repair oil is your go-to-product to apply at bedtime for when your skin is repairing and regenerating overnight. The unique oil features a cocktail blend of vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids and plant oils to provide deep hydration, reconstruction, and preventing premature ageing. Featuring rosehip seed, mastic, monoi, argan, linseed and buriti oil, all these help to nourish and stimulate skin regeneration to improve fines lines and wrinkles. Antioxidant support from guarana, acerola, sea buckthorn, cranberry, and camucamu help to prevent premature ageing while also supporting defence mechanisms within the skin. Applying 2-3 drops using the pipette and massaging into cleansed skin of the face, neck, and decolletage gently. I was really impressed of how little you need to use and there was no greasiness on the skin after application because it absorbs quickly to leave the skin feeling perfectly nourished and revitalised. The multitasking oil is ideal for those who are seeking an oil that contains a host of active ingredients which are vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids and omegas 3, 6, and 9 with also those precious plants oils!  A nourishing, regenerating, and preventative oil that works in harmony with you and your skin. 

Explore the whole range of the natural & organic holistic range here: d'alchemy skincare  x Neil.

Myroo Super Boost Drops Brightening Blackberry.

Myroo Super Boost Drops - Brightening Blackberry.

Revive tired and lacklustre skin when incorporating the Myroo Super Boost Drops Brightening Blackberry into your existing skincare routine. The 100% cold pressed oil is a bi-product from the food industry that would otherwise be disposed of, so not only is your skin benefiting from the seeds which this oil is pressed from, it is also supporting zero waste for the environment.  Disclaimer the links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product.

The blackberry seed oil known as rubus fruticosus not only has emollient properties by containing skin-identical ingredient squalene but it also contains antioxidants to protect the skin from free radicals that can damage and even help repair. Bursting with nourishing fatty acids oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid it also contains barrier supporting phytosterols which are beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol with antioxidants vitamins E & C. 

Dispensing a few drops (that is all you need) and applying to the skin after your water-based serums but before your chosen moisturiser and sunscreen, i was quite impressed on how lightweight the oil feels while absorbing pretty quickly. You can apply to the whole face (avoiding the eye area) or just to certain areas that need an extra boost while in the evening i tend to apply this as my last step over any actives i have decided to apply. The lightweight by highly nourishing oil is ideal for those days when your skin needs that extra boost to reveal its natural glow and beauty. Priced at £15.00 and available here:  Myroo Super Boost Drops Brightening Blackberry x Neil.

We Love The Planet Lip Balm Velvet Shine - Velvet Daily - Velvet Care.

We Love The Planet Lip Balm Velvet Shine - Velvet Daily - Velvet Care.

Veil the lips with pure nature when applying one of the We Love The Planet lip balms daily or keep it close for when you need an intensive treatment. The lips contain many nerve endings and are very sensitive to touch, warmth, and cold, whilst also the outer layer of the skin is very thin making them more susceptible to irritation from overwork and abuse. A lip balm is used to protect the lips from external exposures such as dry air, cold temperatures, and any factors that draw moisture away from them causing a drying effect. Lets take a look at the current lip balms from We Love The Planet, disclaimer the links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products, 

The We Love Lip Balm features a base of coconut oil with vitamins E and C included while also also featuring the highest quality of natural and organically grown ingredients. Featuring three different formulas to suit your lips need, the balm also presents itself in an innovative, recycled packaging made of FSC mix paper. Pressing the bottom of the stick up slightly and then swiping a few times over the lips, the three different formulations are as follows:

We Love The Planet Lip Balm - Velvet Shine 5g.

Hydrating and nourishing the lips, the vegan-friendly velvet shine brings a slight gloss to the lips and is perfect for those that want a natural look without applying any colour while the exotic scent of mango is also enjoyable.

We Love The Planet Lip Balm - Velvet Daily 5g.

Specifically developed for sensitive skin, velvet daily can be applied everyday to support and protect while a subtle vanilla scent can be detected on application but soon fades.

We Love The Planet Lip Balm - Velvet Care 5g.

Dry and damaged lips can be rescued when applying velvet care because it includes extra nourishment in its formula with a golden honey aroma. 

The We Love The Planet provide affordable lips balms that each provide different needs you maybe looking for which are nourishing, sensitive, and even a vegan option! You can apply in the morning before applying your lipstick, during the day for an extra boost, or overnight for a nourishing lip treatment. All priced at £4.50 check out the full range here: We Love The Planet Lip Balms your lips will thank you for applying x Neil.  

Can Hair Loss Actually Be Prevented or Is It Something You Can’t Avoid?

Hair loss is a topic that everyone comes across now and then. Whether it’s their own hair that seems to be falling out or a friend that is terrified at the idea of balding, hair is something that we can all take pride in, and seeing it fall out on a daily basis can be rather scary to think about. So what can you do to prevent hair loss and is it even possible?

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/FGqEuM0wuKk (CC0)

The truth about preventing hair loss

In most cases, hair loss can certainly be prevented. Baldness is preventable to a degree, but it requires that you intervene as early as possible. If you’re noticing that your hair is thinning or shedding, then you need to start some kind of treatment as early as possible. Getting healthy hair is about more than just washing on a regular basis; it also means watching your stress levels, exercising on a regular basis, and also having the right diet.

Unfortunately, there are also times where hair loss cannot be prevented due to a genetic condition. It’s unknown how many people suffer from genetic hair loss, but there are certainly times when hair loss can be caused by your own actions and lifestyle choices. So if you’re ready to start preventing hair loss, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Should you see a specialist?

There are specialists such as Visionary Scalps that can help you cope with hair loss. If you think that your hair is starting to thin and you’re noticing bald patches, then you may want to consult an expert before you make any moves. This is extremely important as it helps you identify if you actually have hair loss and if you can remedy it before it gets worse.

Change your diet

There are a number of foods that are great for dealing with hair loss. You’re looking for sources of protein and biotin such as eggs. These two elements can help promote hair growth because hairs are made up of a protein known as keratin. This is why you’ll see biotin supplements being advertised as hair growth supplements. Research has shown that consuming more sources of protein and biotin can ultimately help improve your hair.

It’s also important to consume foods with strong antioxidant properties. Beneficial compounds like vitamin C can help protect your hair follicles against damage, thus keeping your hair strong and healthy.

Cut out bad habits as soon as possible

If you want a healthy head of hair then you need to start cutting out bad habits such as smoking and drinking. While there’s no direct link between alcohol use and hair loss, heavy drinking can lead to problems like nutritional deficiencies which can cause issues for your hair. Hormonal issues caused by drinking can also be to blame for thinning hair.

Likewise, smoking tobacco could potentially damage your hair follicles, increasing your risk of hair loss. Smoking also leads to oxidative stress and reduced blood flow which can contribute to losing hair. In short, avoid habits like excessive smoking and drinking and you’ll find that it’s much easier to maintain your hair.

Kiss the Moon Luxury Silk Sleep Mask.

Kiss the Moon Luxury Silk Sleep Mask.

Promote a restful bedtime routine when wearing the Kiss the Moon Luxury Silk Sleep Mask that enables to block out artificial light to help you fall asleep quicker. A good sleeping routine should consist of a safe and comfortable environment without any noise or light that stimulates the senses which keeps you awake. Sleep masks are ideal for those who work night shifts, suffer with insomnia, while also for those who don't have curtains that block out sources of light. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product.

Presented in a beautiful gift box, the sleep mask is made from 100% pure silk and filled with a silk padding to ensure maximum comfort. It is important to remember any mask should not be too tight and should feel comfortable even when laying on your side, back, or front....however you sleep! Silk also is ideal for the sensitive eye area because not only does it contain natural proteins and essential amino acids it also provides natural moisturising properties to retain the moisture which helps the skin stay hydrated. It also can be worn any season of the year because silk also regulates body temperature so when its hot the mask will absorb and transfer excess heat while if its cool the threads will trap heat inside, amazing!

I was quite impressed on how great this fits without feeling too tight around the head but still manages to block out unwanted light with a comfortable feeling. It didn't move or slip off and was still firmly attached when my alarm went off, my eyes opened, and then my brain kindly reminded me i was wearing this luxury silk sleep mask. It does state to hand wash and dry flat only but i was quite impressed that it only took one hour to dry, ready to be worn again for bedtime. Priced at £18.00 and to purchase here: Kiss the Moon Luxury Silk Sleep Mask would make a lovely gift for that special someone or for just your amazing self x Neil.

LoveLula Beauty Box October 2021.

LoveLula Beauty Box October 2021.

The element of surprise each month is welcomed by natural beauty lovers in the UK and international, when receiving the LoveLula beauty box full with organic goodies. The monthly beauty box features exciting brands and their products that are available from the easy-to navigate LoveLula website, whilst also introducing products to you that you may not be aware of to purchase. The selection of products you receive each month are varied whilst there are many subscription plans available for you to choose from (details at the end of blog post) to enjoy your delivered beauty box. Disclaimer: I received the beauty box free as part of the LoveLula accredited blogger program, this does not influence or change my honest opinions expressed in my blog posts. The links used are not affiliated and are only used for you to discover the products.

What Is Inside The LoveLula Beauty Box October 2021?

The LoveLula beauty box October 2021 arrives in secure recyclable packaging and each product inside is protected by the recyclable filling to keep your products valued at £55.00 in tip-top condition. The printed card inside details all the products included whilst also including a voucher code that can be redeemed if you would like to purchase any products from the brands included. The products featured are as follows:

Effectively cleanse the skin when applying the Balm Balm Frankincense deep cleansing balm with the organic cotton muslin cloth supplied. Cleansing balms are ideal to use in the evening to breakdown products that are designed to stick to the skin such as makeup and sunscreens. Unscrewing the lid and warming the balm between your fingers, it is important to massage into the skin to encourage even application while the muslin cloth is being soaked in warm water. Placing the steaming muslin cloth over the face and gently using swiping motions, you will also experience some exfoliation the muslin cloth provides to reveal smoother and cleansed skin. You can apply your usual cleanser after this step to perform a second cleanse but i was really impressed with how little you need to leave the skin feeling purified and cleansed but more importantly nourished. 

Envelope the skin with hydration while also boosting circulation and improving the skins firmness when applying the Madara shape caffeine-maté cellulite cream. The lightweight cream is ideal for those who don't like heavy or sticky body products because this one absorbs quickly so your not having to wait around to get dressed. The lightly coloured cream is enriched with stimulating caffeine and extracts of horse chestnut, spirulina, and Maté tea while also featuring vitamins c and e. Emollients are also included which are cocoa butter and sunflower seed oil while humectant glycerin is included to help boost hydration. Applying daily with upward circular motions i was impressed on how this leaves the skin feeling super soft by quenching its thirst, its a body care product that truly does feature a host of ingredients to intensely hydrate and nourish on a daily basis. 

Gently cleanse the hair to remove impurities when applying the Greenfrog Botanic shampoo bar that contains argan and rose oil. Shampoo bars not only help the environment by reducing waste but they also last longer because of how they are applied. Applying the bar onto wet hands by swirling to create a lather, you can also move the bar up and down on wet hair to create the same effect, the lathering is created by the sodium coco-sulfate included. I was surprised on how great this cleanses the hair but also leaving it extremely nourished because of the oils it contains which are sunflower, argan, apricot, camellia and olive. Humectant glycerin and Aloe Yohjyu Matsu Ekisu are also featured along with cocoa seed butter for extra nourishment and hydration, a shampoo bar that not only smells luxurious but also leaves your hair feeling and looking great!

Samples are always a welcomed addition to any beauty box because you can find out if the product is to your liking before purchasing the full sized version. The antipodes glow ritual vitamin c serum is a light wear gel to boost a natural glow while offering antioxidant skin protection. Kakadu plum offers skin brightening with antioxidant benefits while the grape seed extract (Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract) provides super-antioxidant benefits that are stronger then vitamins c and e. The other interesting antioxidant is Bakuchiol that not only has anti-aging properties but also has nice anti-acne effects while also having melanin-inhibiting properties. Hydration is helped by the glycerin and sodium hyaluronate included while emollient benefits are achieved by Persea Gratissima Oil (avocado pear) and Actinidia deliciosa (kiwi) fruit extract, Applying the serum to a cleansed skin it does absorb quickly to leave the skin hydrated with an orange scent detected (but soon fades) while an instant glow is achieved by the mica included that provides a slight shimmer. A lovely lightweight serum that offers antioxidant benefits and provides "vitamin c" from the natural oils included rather than a stand alone vitamin c ingredient. 

Support dry skin and even eczema and psoriasis when applying the ooh! oils of heaven baobab oil which is Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil. The emollient oil features and contains vitamin-a for skin regeneration, antioxidant vitamin e, and vitamin d3. The rich fatty acid content is superb by containing oleic, linoleic, and palmitic to nourish and support the skins health and there are many ways to apply it. You can apply to a cleansed skin, after your moisturiser but before your sunscreen, and you can even add a few drops to your body moisturiser to take advantage of those skin-conditioning and emollient benefits. I love how little you need on application because the oil spreads out easily so you only need one or two drops while it absorbs quickly to leave the skin perfectly nourished without feeling greasy. A beneficial oil that supports and helps maintain healthier skin whenever you may need it.  

How To Purchase The LoveLula October Beauty Box?

The total value of the LoveLula October beauty box is £55.00 while the many subscription plans available for the UK and International customers are varied but are excellent value for your money!

The UK Prices are:                                                                   

Just Try One Box £19.95                              

Monthly Recurring £14.95                          

3 Months £42.60 (save 5%)                         

6 Months £80.70 (save 10%)

12 Months £152.50 (save 15%)

The INTERNATIONAL Prices are:

Just Try One Box £24.95

3 Months £52.50

6 Months £100.00

12 Months £200.00

*Prices Correct At Time Of Writing - October 2021.

Enjoy the selection of products for yourself, or buy as a gift for someone else to enjoy, when purchasing or subscribing to receive a beauty box to your door. I wonder what the November beauty box will contain and what will be featured for you to discover products you may not be aware of to purchase? Purchase any LoveLula beauty box October 2021 available here: LoveLula Beauty Box x Neil.

A Handy Guide For Your Annual Checkups.

We all have those checkups our doctors recommend for us every year, but do you know when they are recommended? The article below offers a list of annual exams that occur throughout the year, when to get them done and what each one does. Most yearly checkups are at least partially covered by insurance for those who don't have a national health service in your country, so go ahead and take care of yourself in these critical times. Make sure to eat healthy, exercise, sleep well and manage your stress levels too.

Image Credit

January

Wellness Checkup with your doctor or healthcare provider: Get checked up on any vaccinations you may need this coming year, blood pressure, cholesterol & glucose levels if you're diabetic (may require fasting beforehand), skin & body, plus any other general physicals.

February

Dental checkups are always a must and typically you should be seeing a dentist every six months for a thorough oral exam.

March

Checkup focusing on stress levels if needed: Your yearly checkup may cover some aspects of mental health and will include questions about how often and how much anxiety and depression are affecting you daily. We must take care of both our physical and psychological health, so pay attention if recommendations are made.

April

Regular self examination (monthly) is an act of importance for women to check their breasts and for men to check their testicles to provide knowledge of what these feel like to you. Any changes that do appear will hopefully be detected by you quicker so you can make an appointment to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

May

Skin Cancer Visual Checkup: Now is the perfect timing of year to do a visual self-examination of your skin, getting checked up on every inch from head to toe, including behind the ears, inside the nose, underarms, groin area, back, between the toes and everywhere else that might require further attention. If you see anything strange or unfamiliar, then make sure to contact your physician as soon as possible to get it checked out.

June

Test for Hepatitis B & C, if applicable: This is a disease affecting the liver that can be transmitted through tainted blood. Usually, symptoms can go unnoticed without getting tested, but many treatments are available once diagnosed, so don't hesitate to ask about this testing.

July

Eye Examination/Contact Lens Checkup: Any changes to your eyes, prescriptions or contact lenses should be reported to your doctor so they can provide you with the best care possible.

October

Cholesterol & Blood Pressure Evaluation: If you have a family history of high cholesterol or high blood pressure, it may be necessary to get these checked up more often than annually.

November

Yearly Flu Shot: Depending on your age and any pre-existing conditions you may have, this shot could include the pneumonia vaccine as well.

December

Diabetes Screening: You will most likely be scheduled for this appointment if you are over the age of 45 or if there is a chance that you might already have diabetes because of your family history. This screening test evaluates how your body processes sugar & helps your doctor determine whether or not you need to take insulin shots or change up some diet habits to balance the sugar intake. 

These checkups don't need to be as tedious as some people think; you have to keep an open mind and be willing to ask questions. Keep the future of TRT in mind, there is no harm in asking your doctor what exercises might help with any muscle or bone problems. They may even recommend something like acupuncture if they notice it could help you relax & relieve stress better than medicine can. Remember: If you feel like something isn't right, then make sure to contact your physician immediately because it's always better safe than sorry!

What Stress Does to Your Body And Mind.

What Stress Does to Your Body And Mind.

photo by Francisco Moreno at Unsplash

Everyone knows how important it is to stay on top of your health. You can exercise and eat right, but other problems can persist if you are not careful. One of the biggest health issues of today is stress and anxiety. Whether you worry about your job or financial security, or even the future, your body and mind are experiencing problems, too, and here are some common issues to look out for. 

Insomnia and Exhaustion 

The endless cycle of not being able to sleep and being exhausted the next day is a common occurrence for those who suffer from extreme stress. You might be worried about your workload and important projects that could make or break the company, or you are concerned about finding established medical malpractice attorneys to help friends and family in need. Whatever the reason for your insomnia, you feel too tired to do anything throughout the day, and this can affect your physical health, which begins a slippery slope towards more severe issues. 

Performance Issues 

Stress can have a significant impact on performance issues at work, at the gym, and even in the bedroom. You find it impossible to take your mind off the stress and anxiety that has surrounded your life, and this means you are not able to perform the way you - and others - know you can. This could lead to damaged relationships, failed projects, and abandoning your previously successful fitness routine, all of which can be difficult to repair even after you have overcome stress. 

A Lack of Focus

These performance issues can also bleed into your ability to focus, and this is not merely something that will affect you at work. People suffering from chronic stress will find it impossible to pay attention to anything, whether at home watching TV or reading a book, or even sitting on the bus or - worryingly - while driving. In this instance, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but you’re putting others at risk, too, and this could cause significant problems, making you a danger to the public. 

Raised Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can happen due to a bad diet and a lack of exercise, but it will also happen if you feel overwhelmed with stress. Understanding the dangers of hypertension will make you realize why this is something you need to avoid. Cardiac arrests, strokes, and other severe medical problems can all strike when you least expect it, even if you think you are fit and healthy. If you have any habits that can contribute to this, such as smoking or drinking, it is time to cut down or kick them as soon as possible.

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind 

Finding ways to relieve stress will vastly increase your health. But it is not as simple as that. While you can push the stress down for a while, it will crop up again. Instead, you need to learn how to cope with stress and find the best techniques to overcome it so that you can stay healthy and happy in body and mind. 

National Council on Aging (NCOA) Guide

Mindful eating and exercise can help reduce high blood pressure, but do you know that getting less than 6 hours of sleep can actually make it worse? That’s why NCOA created a guide to Aging and Sleep to assist the 60% of older adults who have high blood pressure get the deep rest they need.

You’ll see this guide includes information on: 

• How sleep changes as we age
• How to identify sleep disturbance triggers
• How to maximize sleep quality
• Strategies for better sleep
• Sleep hygiene ideas

Plus, the NCOA provides an actionable PDF checklist that readers can use to track their sleep and take to their doctor. Check it out on the link above! x Neil.

Top Careers If You Are Interested In Fashion and Beauty.

Top Careers If You Are Interested In Fashion and Beauty.

Photo by Liza Summer from Pexels

Fashion and beauty are both great industries with a host of career prospects that you might not even realise. Many people would love a career within these fields, but don’t know exactly what it will entail, or even what choices are out there. Some places might require certain qualifications or training such as health and safety training or getting insurance. It is important to do your research and ensure that you know exactly what you are getting into when you look into a career. It could be that there are a number of requirements required, certain degrees or training that you might need or qualifications that will either enable you to do the job or help you to get ahead. Here i have put together a few top career ideas for if you are interested in fashion and beauty that are sure to get you feeling excited and inspired for the future. 

Fashion or beauty PR 

PR is a great industry if you are looking into a career within fashion and beauty. Within this, you will get the chance to work with a number of great brands, helping to promote them and to get publicity out about them. You will get to write press releases, work on social media and liaise with journalists. You will get the chance to try a number of different products, find out about new companies and to attend exciting things such as fashion week. It is a great career if you are a people person and love to work well as a team and if you love to write.

Opening (or working in) a beauty salon

If you like the more practical side of beauty, it can be a good idea to look into opening your own beauty salon. Within this, you can do things such as eyebrows, lashes and makeup. Or you could open a hair salon. This can be a more complex one that might need more overhead if you want to start your own company, but you can also work for someone else and make your way up the ranks.

Starting a blog in fashion or beauty 

If you love to write and take photos, then why not consider starting up a blog in fashion or beauty? With this, you will get the chance to write up about all the different elements of fashion and beauty that you are interested in. You can review different products, take fashion photos and find out about the newest and hottest products and clothes on the market. You will get to attend shows and events and have the chance to write about and immerse yourself in something that you are truly interested in.

These are just a few ideas that will make sure you can enjoy both fashion and beauty and also get paid for it by having it as your career. What are some top careers in these fields that you like to do? Let me know in the comments below - i would love to hear about it! x Neil.